About Maj. Howson Francis Kenner

Major Howson Francis KENNER II, son of Francis KENNER I and Hannah (Anna) HOWSON, was born on May 12, 1711 in St. Stephens Parish, Northumberland County, Virginia and died on May 24, 1778 in Somerville, Fauquier County, Virginia at age 67.

General Notes: Captain by proclamation of Commission, and later a Major by Proclamation of Commission in the Sovereign Service of His Royal Majesty King George of England as per the archives, of the Colonial Virginia Military Records

From William W. Grier: In June of 1728 (16 years old), Howson chose John Cralle as his guardian. John Cralle was the 4th husband of Howson's first cousin, Hannah Kenner. He was listed as a voter in Prince William County, Virginia in 1741. It is thought that he settled in that section in 1735. This is part of the Rappahannock watershed that became Fauquier County, Virginia in 1759. He was commissioned Justice of the Peace for Prince William County on November 4, 1742. He was a vestryman of Dettingen Parish in Prince William County on November 27, 1749, along with his cousin Richard Kenner. His home fell into Fauquier County in 1759.

From "The Kenner Family" by Laura Davis Worley. Howson was a vestryman of Dettinger Parish, Prince William County, November 27, 1749. Howson's will, dated April 9, 1778, made Joseph Blackwell, his wife Margaret, and daughter Susannah as the executors. Howson's wife Margaret Eskridge, was a daughter of Col. Eskridge of Sandy Point, Westmoreland County, Virginia. Col. Eskridge's will, probated in 1735, mentions Howson Kenner and wife Margaret. (See the notes of George Eskridge)

Howson Kenner was a Justice in 1742 and a vestryman of Dettingen Parish in 1749 in Prince Williiam county VA.

Howson Kenner's grave is in a woods 1/2 mile north and 300 yeards west of Somerville, Fauquier Co, VA, off State Route 616. The epitaph reads: This Drery Vault Stranger Contains the Bod of Capt Howson Kenner Who Descinded To the Dust In A Good Old Age for He Saw from His Loins the third Genrat. He depated hence 24 may 1778 age 66. This stone from a sece of his goodness is humbly dedicated to his memory by his youngst son Rodham Kenner." The grave is on land he purchased from Willlam Hackney, 28 mar-1763. Only a few stones and bricks remain from the house which stood a few hundred feet from the grave. Only the one grave is now in evidence. His grave was dedicated to him by his son Rodham and it says: "This dreary vault, stranger, contains the body of Catain Howson Kenner who descended to the dust on a good old age, for he saw from his lions the third generation. He departed hence 24th of May 1778 age 64. This stone form a sense of his goodness is humbly dedicated to his memory by his youngest son, Rodham Kenner." (THE KENNER FAMILY HISTORY: compiled by Lois Colleen Hindman Kenner)

His religion was Church of England. OCCUPATION: Planter. MILITARY: Captian of VA militia.

The will of Howson Kenner was written 9 apr 1778 and proved 28 SPE 1778 in Fauquier county VA. To eldest son, Francis Kenner all money in hands of my son-in-law William Seaton, but 40 pounds, the balance of the money said Seaton owes me (210 pounds for the 250 acres of land (250 acres) which I sold to him. To daughter Betty Seaton, 20 pounds; to daughter Rebecca Clifton, 10 pounds, no more; to daughter, Mary Seaton, 10 pounds, no more; to son, George Turbervill Kenner, a tract of land and slaves; to granson Rodham Kenner (son of George) a tract of land; to daughter, Peggy and husband, Stephen Pritchard, a slave and 20 pounds; to granson, Howson Kenner, son of Francis, 20 pounds; to son Rodham tract of land I now live on and 20 pounds cur; Grandson George Seaton 10 pounds, no more; to daughter, Catey Markahm and her daughter Mary Ann, slaves and livestock; Grson, Samuel Eskridge aliaas Kenner, son of daughter Susannah, 2 slaves and 100 pounds scash with which to educate him. Exrs Mr Joseph Blackwell and daugher Susannah Wit: Origianl Young, William Pope.

Will of Howsen Kenner

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I Howson Kenner being in sound memory and good health do at this time Ordain and Make this my last will and testament in manner and form followimg. Item, I give unto my Elder son Francis Kenner and his heirs forever all the money in my son in law's hands William Seaton but forty pounds the ballance of Money the said William Seaton ows me is two hundred and ten pounds for that Tract of Land where John Bials, and John Harrel now live which I sold to the said William Seaton for Two hundred and fifty pounds and no more of my Estate. I give to the above Francis but the above sum, of Two hundred and ten pounds. Item. I give unto my daughter Betty Seaton Twenty pounds and no more. Item. unto my daughter Rebecca Clifton Ten pounds and nomore. Item. I give unto my daughter Mary Seaton Ten pounds and no more. Item. I give unto my sone George Turberville Kenner the negroe man James he has now in possession and no more. Item. I give to my grandson Rodham Kenner, son of my son George Tur[bervil]le That Tract or parcel of Land where young Moses Cumings now lives. Being the reversion of Two hundred Acres that I bought of John Latimore and son, the said Land I give to the said Rodham and his heirs forever. Item. I give unto my daughter Peggy and her husband Stephen Pritchard a negroe women Lucy and her son Jacob, as also I give to ny daughter Peggy my old house whench Letty after the decease of my wife also I give to my daughter Peggy Ten pounds, the above legacies before given to my Daughter Peggy and her husband I give unto them and their heirs and assigns forever. Item. I give unto my grandson Howson Son of my son Francis twenty pounds and no more. Item. I give unto my son Rodham and his heors forever all Tract of Land I live on and where he now lives to him the said Rodham and his heirs and assigns forever. Item. I give also to my son Rodham the two long tables and the great glass and the Dozen Large leather shairs that is in my hall and Twenty pounds cash and no more. Item. I give to my some George Turberville Kenner two cows and calves and no more. Item. I give to my grandson George Seaton son of my daughter Betty Seaton Two Cows and Calves and His choice of my young mares, and one good bed and furniture and my wearing apparel, also I give to said grandson George Seaton Twenty pounds Cash and no more. Item. I give unto my daughter Catey Markham and her daughter Mary Ann two negroe men Jonathan and Abraham and to her and Daughter Mary Ann to them and their heirs forever. Item. I give her my said daughter three Cows and Calves, six head of sheep, and two good beds and furniture, as is also I give to the said Catey Markham two young mares of the youngest kend also I give to her my said Daughter Catey six grown hogs, and one sow and pigs and no more of my Estate. Item. I give to my Grandson Samuel Eskridge Alias Kenner son of my daughter Susannah two negroe Vix. Cate and her Increase forever, also a negroe boy Fortune, to him the said Samuel and his heirs forever. Also I give to the said Samuel one hundred pounds cash to be applied to Educate him, but in case the said Samuel should die before he comes of age of Eighteen then in that case I give the Estate before given to my grandson Samuel to the disposal of my said Daughter Susannah. Item. I give to the said Samuel two cows and calves and the youngest of my mare colts. Itam. I give to my Daughter three negroe men, Isaac, Anthony, and Moses, and all my cash and the rest of my Estate not before mentioned as alsp it is my will that all my Estate be kept together for three years to raise cash to pay of my debts that my wife of iving and my Daughter Susannah have the whole mamagement of my Estate paying off and receiving. It is also my Will that my wife have the whole of my Estate during the natural life. Ten in three years he dedeases, then my Daughter Susannah pay off every Legasy and Debts before given by me, it is also my will that my wife ans Daughter Susannah pay all my just debts and Legacies. It is also my will that my Daughter Susannah have the whole of my Estate bith real and personal for three years after the longest liver of my wife or self in order to enable her to pay off all my just Debts and Legasies and then at the end of the three years to be divided and every person to have his or her part or parts as is before directed, by my said will. I also desire that no appraisment be of Estate but be Divided as I have before directed I desire that my Grandson Samuel Eskridge son of my Daughter Susannah be kept at school for Ten years, and kept there after the best manner as the hundred pounds before given will keep him, and the over plush of my Estate if any will keep him after paying of my just Debts and Legacies. I do hereby Disaunl and, make void all wills and wil heretofore made by me, and do declar

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Major Howson (aka Houson) Kenner was born 10 May 1712 in Saint Stephen's Parish, Northumberland County, Virginia to Captain Francis Kenner and Hannah Howson. He chose John Cralle as his guardian in June 1728. He was married in 1732 at Stafford County, Virginia to Margaret Eskridge, daughter of Colonel George Eskridge (Barnes). Howson was a vestryman of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, Virginia in 1749, with Richard Kenner (Pettitt, D-56). Howson Kenner served in the Virginia Colonial Militia, being listed as a Captain on an October 23, 1860 campaign, then as a Major May 27, 1762 (Crozier 96).

Howson Kenner’s territory is described as the “Northern neck of Virginia.” The old Prince William County covered the modern counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and the independent city of Alexandria (Harrison).

1726, April 17 and July 20. The Will and Codicil of Francis Kenner, father of Howson Kenner, was proved in court in Northumberland county. Francis Kenner used the address of “Parish of St. Stephens in Northumberland county” in his will. Howson Kenner received all his lands, 7 slaves, all livestock to be divided with brother Rodham, and other minor properties. Rodham Kenner was to be kept in school at the expense of the whole estate until he reached age 21 and received slaves and a share of livestock, but was prohibited in the Codicil from actions to “molest, sue, trouble, implead, defile under any colour or poach” the property” left to Howson and Elizabeth Kenner (Margaret Mastor translation attached). A number of versions are variously published

1735, November 25: Howson and Margaret Kenner received grants of land from George Eskridge, her father, in a will proved 25 November 1735. The will was proved in Westmoreland county. George Eskridge Will: I give . . . rest of the said tract . . . equally divided between the daughter of my daughter Margaret Kenner . . . son-in-law Howson Kenner and his wife . . . eight hundred acres of land at the Marsh . . . also five hundred more acres at the Marsh . . . rest of said tract at Flatlick (Prince William County) I give to be equally divided among the children of my son George and the daughter of my daughter Margaret Kenner and their heirs . . . (Barnes 729-734).

No records have been found linking Major Howson Kenner to the Revolutionary War, but his wife Margaret Eskridge Kenner submitted claims after the war. A number of applicants to the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution have qualified under Margaret Kenner as a patriot (Dutton, Edward, submitter). They had a grandson in the Revolutionary War who is sometimes confused with Major Howson Francis Kenner: "Hawson Kenner, Midshipman, VA Navy, rec'd a warrant June 21, 1785 from VA for 2,666 2/3 acres of land" [VA 30 Dec 1833] (Pettitt D-56).

Howson Kenner died 24 May 1778 at age 66, and is buried in a vault that is still standing near Somerville, Fauquier County, Virginia (Baird 299; Collier 101; Will attached and extract below).

The Kenner Grave is near Somerville, Virginia. It is located one-half miles North of Somerville off WRT 610 in woods about 300 yards down trail (Baird 299). "The drery vault stranger contains / the body of Capt. Howson Kenner who / descinded to the dust in good old / age for he saw from his loins the / third generat he departed hence / 24 of May 1778 age 66 this stone from / a sence of his goodness is humbly /dedicated to his memory by his youngest / son Rodham Kenner." Photos of this stone are on the Profile. Follow route 616 & 610, situated near the line of Fauquier County and Stafford / Prince William Counties, Virginia. It is also near the town of Chimney Lake. Route 616 may be called Bristersburg Road, which runs through Somerville. (Rts 806 & 610 about 12-15 miles west of I95; Exit 143.)

Harrison, Fairfax. Landmarks of Old Prince William. Old Dominion Press, Richmond, 1924. A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia in two volumes--the Northern Neck. The old Prince William County covered the modern counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and the independent city of Alexandria. This Area was also known as the Northern Neck of Virginia.

SAR Patriot Index Edition III Database, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, 1000 South Fourth St, Louisville, Kentucky, 2002. Group Records PS VA -- Several application numbers through daughters Catherine Elizabeth, Peggy/ Margaret, and son Francis. The ones located by this submitter were for Margaret Kenner, wife of Howson Kenner.

Howson Kenner was born in 1712. He died 1778 in Fauquier County at the age of ~66 years. His will was proved in 1778, Fauquier County. He married Margaret Eskridge. Reference: 9W(1)186 -- refers to William and Mary Quarterly, 1st Series.

SAR PATRIOT INDEX Applications through James Seaton (Mary Clark): 2002 Application for Edward Dutton SAR #154493; 1996 Application for Kenneth Johnson, Ph.D. SAR #08356 approved to James Seaton (Mary Clark). One DAR approved to James Seaton. Subsequent supplemental applications for Dutton and Johnson to Margaret Kenner approved. See notes for DAR & SAR applications under Elizabeth Kenner, Francis Kenner, Margaret "Peggy" Kenner, Catherine Elizabeth Kenner. These are not necessarily all the applications. All of the above are through Margaret Eskridge Kenner, and not Howson Kenner. No records have been found of Major Howson Kenner's involvement in the war. Contact submitter this profile.

SAR FILE INDEX REF: SERV: PS VA SAR #145578 and SAR #145579 file reference #22435 1 Jul 1999. This old file no longer working for submitter, but not pertinent to this line.

Harrison, Fairfax, Landmarks of Old Prince William, Old Dominion Press, Richmond, 1924. A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia in two volumes--the Northern Neck. The old Prince William County covered the modern counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and the independent city of Alexandria. This Area was also known as the Northern Neck of Virginia.

Howson Kenner (or Houson) was born 10 May 1712 in St. Stephen's Parish. He

chose John Cralle as his guardian in June 1728. Howson was a vestryman of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, Virginia in 1749, with Richard Kenner. Howson married Margaret Eskridge, a daughter of George Eskridge and Hannah Ashton. (footnote 167). Howson Kenner presented a claim for his Revolutionary War services to the 18th Congress, which was withdrawn, and again presented by his heirs to the 31st Congress. His name does not appear in authorized roster of troops, but "Hawson Kenner, Midshipman, VA Navy, rec'd a warrant June 21, 1785 from VA for 2,666 2/3 acres of land" (VA 30 Dec 1833). (NOTE: THIS IS HIS GRANDSON). The Honorable Duncan Fox Kenner . . . of the Confederate States of America . . . was of this line. (footnote 168) Howson's will was proved in Fauquier Co., VA, in 1778. His children were named in the will--ten children and some further descendants.

NOTE: Ron Kinner, 270 Pompano Dr., Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 rkinner@att.net writes 3-14-2001 that "The Howson who was a midshipman was not the husband of Margaret Eskridge, but her grandson. Margaret Eskridge sold some supplies to the Revolutionary army, thus qualifying as a patriot with later recognition. NOTE: See Ancestry.com/ Rootsweb Message Boards 9 October 2001 regard Rodham Kenner and Sons of the American Revolution.

THE TOMBSTONE OF CAPT. HOWSON KENNER The tombstone of Capt. Howson Kenner lies deep in the woods, on the Howard Grove place, about three fourths of a mile east of "Lawyer's Rest" near Somerville, in Fauquier County. From white (or gold) Ridge northwest about a mile on Route #616 to two big chestnut trees on the right at a woods road; thence on the left follow a C.C.C. road through the pines northwest 350 yards and you will see the tombstone about 15 steps north of the road. A large hickory, a walnut, a dead persommon and a double poplar tree stand near by. The stone was dedicated to him by his youngest son, Rev. Rodham Kenner;

"This drery vault stranger contains the body of Capt. Howson Kenner, who descinded to the dust in a good old age for he saw from his loins the third generation he departed hence 24 of May 1778 age 66 this stone from asence of his goodness is humbly dedicated to his memory by his youngestson Rodham Kenner."

RELIGION: Church of England. Howson was a vestryman of Dettinger Parish, Prince William County on 27 Nov 1749, along with his cousin Richard Kenner.

OCCUPATION: Planter.

OTHER: Howson Kenner was a Justice in 1742, Prince William County, Virginia. 1776: In 1776, 2000 citizens of S.W.PAW. VA signed a petition to the Continental congress appealing for the formation of a new state. Francis, George, Howson, George Rodham Seaton signed this petition which Congress rejected. (Seatons of Breckenridge Co, KY, Pg 380-C...)

MILITARY: Captian of a Virginia militia. Howson Kenner was a midshipman in American Revolution. (The Compendium of American Genealogy'.) General Notes: Captain by proclamation of Commission, and later a Major by Proclamation of Commission in the Sovereign Service of His Royal Majesty King George of England as per the archives, of the Colonial Virginia Military Records

Notes: From William W. Grier: In Jun of 1728, (16 years old), Howson chose John Cralle as his guardian. John Cralle was the 4th husband of Howson's first cousin, Hannah Kenner. He was listed as a voter in Prince William County, Virginia in 1741. It is thought that he settled in that section in 1735. This is part of the Rappahannock watershed that became Fauquier County, Virginia in 1759. He was commissioned Justice of the Peace for Prince William County on 4 Nov 4 1742. His home fell into Fauquier County in 1759.

Married 1: Margaret Eskridge, (daughter of George Eskridge and Rebecca Bonum Eskridge.) Born: 1712-1715, Sandy Point, Westmoreland County, Virginia. Died: 8 Oct 1801/1802, Fauquier County Virginia; age 86-88 years. Marriage 1: Jun 1732, Sandy Point, Westmoreland County, Virginia. Notes for Margaret: Margaret Eskridge Kenner was a patriot in the Revolutionary War for helping the soldiers.